\u200bHowever, technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles and drones have moved from the realm of science fiction to near ubiquity in today\u2019s society.<\/p>\n
\u200bHarting wants to explore the role, if any, that technological advancements have in local government. The city could incorporate innovations internally or partner with the private sector.<\/p>\n
\u200b\u201cIs there a role for AI in running a municipality?\u201d Harting questioned. \u201cIs there a role for robotics? How does the city involve itself with what\u2019s evolving in both land and air-based drone technology? I think that\u2019s a discussion that should at least start to take place.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u200bHarting said he was heartened to see \u201chow well the city operates.\u201d He also called it a \u201cheavily armchair quarterbacked industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u200bThe founder and CEO of 3 Daughters Brewing<\/a>, one of the state\u2019s largest independent breweries, believes \u201c30 years of being an entrepreneur\u201d is his strongest asset, \u201cespecially working with a budget.\u201d He will continue leaning on that experience during his time on the council.<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cThe business part of the city operates the same way as my business operates,\u201d Harting said. \u201cJust on a much bigger scale.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200bSt. Petersburg has a Department of Technology Services<\/a> that implements and manages information systems. Harting noted that the city, unlike a \u201ctraditional billion-dollar business,\u201d lacks a chief technology officer in the mayor\u2019s cabinet.<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cThey are incredibly talented \u2013 they are phenomenal people,\u201d Harting stressed. \u201cBut technology doesn\u2019t have a seat at the table at the level that the chief of police or the head of public works does.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200bIn addition to potentially incorporating AI, robotics and drones into city processes and projects, Harting wants to explore how officials can plan for and support private sector innovations. St. Petersburg is doing just that with its Advanced Air Mobility Task Force.<\/p>\n \u200bThe task force launched in January to help ensure St. Petersburg can capitalize on the nascent advanced air mobility industry, which typically utilizes electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) to move people and cargo<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u200bCompanies are also adopting drone and autonomous vehicle delivery services. \u201cBut is there any overlaying government policies that we need to look at to be able to allow that, or to govern it in a way that makes it safe?\u201d Harting rhetorically asked.<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cWhose jurisdiction does it come under?\u201d he added. \u201cDo we need to put in any stipulations? Are there any permitting issues? Things like that. It really just starts with discussions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200bHarting, who represents Shore Acres, the city\u2019s lowest-lying neighborhood, also plans to continue addressing environmental challenges. \u201cMother nature is doing things differently,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u200bThe city received historic downpours a few weeks before back-to-back hurricanes in 2024, and Harting said the increasing threat of flooding requires further planning. Officials must also explore creative ways to fund related projects. \u201cThat\u2019s definitely a conversation I\u2019m looking forward to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cI\u2019m not in favor of raising water bills to pay for all this,\u201d Harting said of resiliency projects. \u201cThat leads to a price structure that never goes away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200bVoters, via a referendum in 2026, will likely decide whether the mayoral administration issues general obligation bonds<\/a> to support St. Pete Agile Resiliency (SPAR) initiatives. Harting said he, \u201cat least with what I know so far,\u201d favors that funding mechanism over continuing to increase municipal utility rates.<\/a><\/p>\n \u200bHarting said there was \u201cdefinitely a ramp-up period\u201d after he assumed office. He called it fascinating to see how various departments coalesce into one organization, and said those operate \u201cextremely well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cThe level of complexity that we\u2019re capable of is not something that I really envisioned, but it\u2019s pretty incredible,\u201d Harting added.<\/p>\n \u200bHe also has an added appreciation for civic associations and residents who engage with officials. Harting stressed the importance of public feedback and encouraged constituents to become more involved with neighborhood organizations in 2026.<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cThose voices matter more in the aggregate of your neighborhood than other input,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u200bHowever, technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace. 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